Local Author Pens Second Murder Mystery Set in Chautauqua County
Buffalo native Phillip Laurien, now residing in Ohio, has released the second book in his suspenseful “Mac Morrison Murder Mystery series,” a thrilling tale set right here in Chautauqua County. “Return to Barcelona Harbor,” available now, picks up the story where the first book, “Barcelona Harbor Murders,” left off.
Laurien’s writing plunges readers into a world where Mac Morrison, alongside his loyal canine companion, Buddy-dog, grapples with a new mystery in familiar territory. Barcelona Harbor, a real location in Westfield, serves as a key backdrop, adding an element of familiarity for locals who will recognize the authentic setting.
While “Return to Barcelona Harbor” builds on the narrative of the original, readers don’t need to have read the first book to become swept away in the intrigue of this installment. Laurien skillfully develops new connections within the existing world, introducing new characters alongside the cast readers have already come to know and enjoy.
For Laurien, writing about Chautauqua County is more than just utilizing a setting – it’s a homecoming of sorts. His connection to this part of New York runs deep. He first encountered the county at the age of 14 or 15, while competing against local high school sports teams.
“I went to Clarence Central High School, and while we weren’t in the same division as some of the bigger schools, playing against some Chautauqua County schools remains a memory,” Laurien shared.
In addition to sporting encounters, Laurien fondly remembers rounded out his teen years with a farm-stay full of adventurous exploration in not just one school but
“I think people serial read their favorite authors and I intend to be unique. If I had to say what my style is like I would say like Robert Parker.”
Laurien’s approach is unique, starting each story like a scene in a screenplay, ensuring readers find themselves deeply immersed in the setting.
“What else might influence my writing is that I’m a toy collecting in Southern California. Not just a collector, but a recovering collector,” Laurien joked.
Laurien has had other experiences outside of writing, crafting non-fiction, short story-telling and clearly, he brings those previous experiences to his storytelling. He added that he shrugs off “this isn’t my first rodeo,” he joked, noting he doesn’t write for a career but never the less massive fanbase
A familiar town, with a cast of characters you’ll come to care about.
“If you’ve always enjoyed living in Chautauqua County and want to read a novel based on Chautauqua County and be able to picture the areas the characters are in, you will enjoy this book,” Laurien predicted.
“There are complex plots,
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“Return to Barcelona Harbor is available now on
